Saudi Hilal Wins the Asian Cup on Ricardo’s Hat-trick

Published April 23rd, 2000 - 03:00 GMT

Hilal's striker, Sergio Ricardo of Brazil knocked down Jubilo Iwata's net for 3 times, marking up a 3-2 victory over the Japanese defending champion,

Hilal's striker, Sergio Ricardo of Brazil knocked down Jubilo Iwata's net for 3 times, marking up a 3-2 victory over the Japanese defending champion, to win the Asian Club Championship, Saturday at King Fahd International Stadium.

Right from the start, Hilal's players went after a leading early goal, launching a number of attacks that froze their opponents inside their free zone.

Three minutes later, the successive attacks rewarded home a free kick, from which Ricardo fired a bullet shot into Iwata's net.

The defending champions, who had suffered no defeat throughout the championship, showed determination to change the situation where they found themselves.

In the 18th and 19th minutes, the guest led two surprising, but well organized, counter-attacks and switched the lead for 2-1.